M.S. graduate student assistantship in population dynamics/spatial analysis (USA)

Agency: Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Location: Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

Job Description: We have a M.S. graduate student assistantship available
to start in summer or fall 2015 at the Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and
Wildlife Research Unit at Penn State University in the Department of
Ecosystem Science and Management.  The position is fully funded by the
USGS and Pennsylvania Game Commission for 2.5 years.  The project
involves research on population estimates of pheasant on Wild Pheasant
Recovery Areas (WPRAs) in Pennsylvania using a habitat-based model to
evaluate landscape and predict the success of restoring wild pheasant
populations to a defined pheasant density goal.  The ideal candidate
will have experience with population estimation, Geographic Information
Systems software, and Program R.

The selected individual can initially start in summer 2015, if
available, on wage payroll assisting in digitizing habitats of WPRAs at
the micro-habitat scale.  The student will then be on a fully-funded MS
graduate assistantship beginning mid-August 2015 designing models to
link micro-scale habitats to ideal density of pheasant in Pennsylvania.
The most qualified applicants  would ideally have an BS in Wildlife
Ecology, Biology, or Ecology with an interest in population estimation,
GIS software, and program R. Interested applicants should submit the
following items: 1) a C.V. with GPA, GREs, and contact information for 3
references and 2) a 1–2 page description of research interests and
responses to qualifications.  The selected individual will be co-advised
by Drs. W. David Walter and Duane Diefenbach at the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.  Applications should be
submitted in a single file (pdf, Word) by email to: Dr. W. David Walter
(wdwalter@psu.edu) and Duane Diefenbach (ddiefenbach@psu.edu) with the
Subject: GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANTSHIP

The assistantship includes a stipend and summer salary (approx.
$24,000/yr), waived tuition, and health benefits through Penn State
University. In addition, the project will provide a desktop PC for
conducting all population and spatial analyses.

Salary: $24,000/yr + health benefits + waived tuition

Last Date to apply: Applications will be reviewed as received until a
suitable candidate is found

Website: http://www.coopunits.org/Pennsylvania/

Contact: W. David Walter – wdwalter@psu.edu (814-867-4763)

         Duane Diefenbach – ddiefenbach@psu.edu (814-574-1513)